Yep, yep, yep – the new year has come. I look at all that I let fall to the wayside last year. I look at the political landscape and the world in general. My response to both is “Oh my!” and not in the cool George Takei way. But we stand tall, shoulders straight, and we step forward to do what each of us can to make this world a better place.

Lost and discarded pets fill my Facebook news feed and I turn my attention back to where my education and advocacy began – the Wake County Animal Center (WCAC). I need to get back to my roots – taking pictures of pups to replace their crazy scared intake photos. Be sure and check back to see the sweeties looking for their furever homes in 2017.

In the meantime, let’s take a look at a couple of long timers who are looking for their perfect family.

Yes, she’s chilling out in a great foster home, but she’s been in the system since June 2015 and she really just wants a family to call her very own. Lady Bell is no slouch and is looking for a home where she’ll get lots of training and exercise. Her foster momma says some of Lady Bell’s favorite things are “playing with other dogs, running, wrestling with other dogs, playing in the water, belly rubs, treats and chew toys.” Here are few pics of her enjoying life.

Lady Bell

Lady Bell

Lady Bell

She does need a house rather than an apartment, and a good fence as she loves to jump. Also, small children and feisty cats are not a good match for her active, curious ways. So, if you’re looking for someone to do things with – agility, walks, runs, dock diving – contact Lady Bell’s foster momma at wcacfoster@outlook.com.

Being a Staffy fan, I just can’t resist this face. Junior is a 4-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier who has been in the shelter system since November 2015. He’s currently in foster care getting lots of love and heartworm treatment.

He has what I consider classic Pittie traits, loves lots of human attention and just being a couch potato until you bring out his tennis ball or dinner bowl. He can be shy, so he needs slow proper introductions with both humans and dogs and would probably do best in a quiet home.

Email the shelter to talk with her foster family and get all the great details.

Remember, when you’re looking for that new family member, check out your local rescues and shelters. The WCAC is open seven days a week from noon until 6 PM. You can start your search by checking out the gallery here https://pets.wakegov.com/.

*click on a pup’s name to go straight to their page on the WCAC website

She is a beautiful little pup who’s about 8 months old. Chica loves to play with people and other dogs. Please stop by and visit her – she’s ready for love, a soft bed, and great training.

Chica (113177)

Chica (113177)

Chica (113177)

Chica (113177)

Chica (113177)

Chica (113177)

Chica (113177)

Chica (113177)

Shonda (WCAC ID: 113928)

Shonda is a sweet puppy who has gone through some rough times in the first 8 months of her life. She needs someone that will help her grow into the beautiful girl she is. She deserves a gentle touch and lots of love.

Shonda (113928)

Shonda (113928)

Shonda (113928)

Shonda (113928)

Shonda (113928)

Wasabi (WCAC ID: 113967)

At a year old this little girl has a whole lot of puppy antics. She was so cute with the way she was bouncing around that I had to take a little video.

Wasabi (113967)

Wasabi (113967)

Wasabi (113967)

Wasabi (113967)

Mickey (WCAC ID: 114026)

If you’re looking for a little boy, this is your guy. He’s a year old and a charmer with those ears. I’d like to talk more about him, we had a very good time during his photo shoot, but I am distracted by those ears – I LOVE THEM!

Mickey (114026)

Mickey (114026)

Mickey (114026)

Mickey (114026)

Mickey (114026)

Mickey (114026)

Mickey (114026)

Mickey (114026)

Mickey (114026)

Mickey (114026)

You can learn more about these sweeties by going to the WCAC Adoption Gallery web page and looking up their ID number. You’ll find out all the particulars and some insights in their bios.

The WCAC is open seven days a week from noon to 6:00 PM. Stop by and see who needs you and who you need.

WCAC ID: 85589

Marcy (ID: 85589)

I’m told that Marcy is not a Pit Bull so why would I post her during Pit Bull Awareness Month? I say most mixes have a smidge of a Pittie look and after being in the shelter system since March of 2013, sweet Marcy deserve every break she can get!

“Hi everyone, my name is Marcy and I am an awesome dog. At least that’s what my foster mom says. I’ve been with the shelter for a long time and not really sure why.

Marcy (ID: 85589)

Marcy (ID: 85589)

Marcy (ID: 85589)

Marcy (ID: 85589)

Marcy (ID: 85589)

“I’m a fun girl, loyal, listen well, am focused and attentive, take treats nicely, crate trained, house trained, not destructive, good on a leash and play nice with other dogs who respect my boundaries. Isn’t that the kind of stuff that people look for in a dog?

Marcy (ID: 85589)

Marcy (ID: 85589)

Marcy (ID: 85589)

Marcy (ID: 85589)

Marcy (ID: 85589)

“The only thing I’m not really fond of is kids. I prefer an adult home where I can chill and relax with you after a nice walk. Have a fenced yard? Even better. I like hanging out on the deck in the sun in my foster home almost as much as I like running around with my foster brother.”

If you are interested in meeting Marcy to see if you’d be a good match, please contact her foster mom at wcacfoster@outlook.com.

The WCAC is always full of great animals looking for their furever homes. They are located at 820 Beacon Lake Drive and open daily from noon to 6:00 p.m. You can also check out the adoption gallery to look for your new love.

WCAC ID: 94437

Mary Puppins (WCAC ID: 94437)

Mary Puppins is about to celebrate her one year anniversary in the shelter system. Luckily she’ll be celebrating with her foster family, but it’s her heart’s desire not to celebrate it at all. Hint. Hint.

Mary is a grey and white Am Staff who is almost five years old and weighs about 60 lbs. I think she would like to tell you all about herself.

“’Ello! My foster parents say there is only one word to describe me: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Even though I have been waiting a while for my forever home, don’t let that worry you. I’ve just been patiently waiting for the perfect family. Is that you!?

Mary Puppins (WCAC ID: 94437)

Mary Puppins (WCAC ID: 94437)

“I am a SUPER SWEET girl with a nice MEDIUM ENERGY. I’ve heard my foster parents say that I am “PRACTICALLY PERFECT” on a LEASH. It only took them a couple days to train me how to walk right beside them. I love long walks and even enjoy jogging too! I am a fast learner and I know SIT, LAY DOWN, and LEAVE IT on command and I am already HOUSEBROKEN and CRATE TRAINED. Sometimes my foster parents leave me out in their guest room though, and I have yet to bother any of their stuff.

“I thrive in a household that challenges me with proper rules and boundaries and am looking for my new pack leader. I really enjoy interacting with people and am FRIENDLY to everyone I meet. I am even GOOD WITH KIDS and very patient with them. Some of my favorite activities to do with people are play tug, go for car rides, play tag in the back yard, and cuddle up for a nice butt scratch.

Mary Puppins (WCAC ID: 94437)

Mary Puppins (WCAC ID: 94437)

Mary Puppins (WCAC ID: 94437)

Mary Puppins (WCAC ID: 94437)

“I would do best as the only dog in a home, as I am still working on proper etiquette when interacting with other dogs. However, I am making great progress in my training and I usually walk by other dogs with little to no correction.

“No cats either please, I am way too interested!

Mary Puppins (WCAC ID: 94437)

“If you want to hear even MORE wonderful things about me OR would like to meet me in person, please email my foster mum at megsmith838@gmail.com. Everyday day could be a ‘Jolly Holiday’ with me!”

WCAC ID: 91444

Roman (WCAC ID: 91444)

Roman is Charo’s favorite playmate and with him being such a handsome boy you can’t blame her. He is a brown Am Staff who is a little over two years old and has been in the shelter system since late August, 2013! I think we’ll let Roman speak for himself.

“I am a friendly, handsome boy who loves to run and play. I love playing with other dogs too, especially the ladies. My foster sister, Charo, is so much fun!! We have a blast romping around the yard together. I am okay with my foster mom’s lazy, dog-avoiding kitty while being supervised, but not sure how I’d be with cats that hiss, swat or get sassy with me.

Roman (WCAC ID: 91444)

Roman (WCAC ID: 91444)

Roman (WCAC ID: 91444)

Roman (WCAC ID: 91444)

Roman (WCAC ID: 91444)

Roman (WCAC ID: 91444)

Roman (WCAC ID: 91444)

Roman (WCAC ID: 91444)

Roman (WCAC ID: 91444)

“I know SIT and my foster mom is teaching me to walk calmly on my leash. She says I’m doing very well when it’s just us, but still need work on walking in public. (I admit I just can’t help myself. I get so happy and want to say hi to everyone.) I will do just about anything for a piece of hotdog or cheese, so that’s what she’s using to train me. After a good play session where I get all my happy out, I enjoy settling down for a good rope toy as I drape myself over my foster mom’s legs.

“I’m used to being in a crate while nobody is home and haven’t had any accidents in the house. I don’t do well in the kennel environment, so if you want to meet me or have questions, please email my foster at wcacfoster@outlook.com. I am already neutered, microchipped, UTD on vaccinations and ready for my forever home.”

A few weeks ago we fostered a little kitten we called Moo. I was pleased with how well she got along in our house, but I realized that I needed to study cat behavior and make sure I was doing right by our own cat, Tic Tac. Time to revisit behaviorist Dr. Pam Johnson-Bennett’s books and not just the fun essays in Hiss and Tell.

I’m currently reading Starting from Scratch: How to Correct Your Adult Cats Behavior Problems at Any Age. I highly recommend this book, even if you don’t have major issues, as it will give you insight as to why cats do things and how you can make their life even better.

The first thing I realized was that we’d never really looked at the vertical living space in our house. No wonder Tic Tac is on the furniture and counters — he’s not bound by horizontal living. As luck would have it, shortly after I read about making vertical living spaces for your cat, Costco got in a shipment of three-level cat trees at a great price.

Sometimes I’m a slow learner. I will admit to “putting” Tic Tac on the cat tree as soon as we brought it in the house. As I watched him throw himself off, I kicked myself for my mistake. We quickly came to our senses, placed the tree near a window, left the blinds open, and threw one of my dirty nightshirts on the first shelf. It took a few days but we saw the t-shirt flattened and eventually caught Tic Tac lounging. We would have been happy if he only used that first shelf, but after a few weeks he began to use all levels.

During Moo’s stay we had a couple of minor litter box issues, such as going in the secondary container where the box sits – oh, and some major litter flinging. Just like you feel vulnerable with your pants down, cats too are looking for clear views to make sure they are not caught with a surprise attack. So as much as we humans want to put the litter box in a corner, a closet, or under the sink in the back bathroom, it may not work for your house and your cat. For us, the master bathroom works, but it got back to normal once I took the hood off the litter box. Reading further, I see that I might need to start doing an extra daily scooping – currently Charlie does it once a day.

I think the next thing we’ll tackle is Tic Tac’s furniture scratching. Declawing is out of the question. I mean really, taking off the first joint of each toe – cruel! We may need to buy stock in Sticky Paws because two of his favorite scratching pieces are the back of the couch and the box spring of our bed. Also, I think this is going to be a bit tricky as our dog Ruby factors into it.

September is Happy Cat Month promoted by the CATalyst Council. I’m looking forward to exploring their website even more. But the best and first thing you can do to make a cat happy is to head to your local shelter and ADOPT one (or more). Wake County Animal Center (WCAC) has been overflowing with cats and kittens for several months. Below see Mr. Picklesworth’s television debut. He’s a big boy who loves to be loved and get scritches behind his ears. He’s also treat motivated … a great opportunity for someone to do some cat clicker training.

I can’t believe how long I was away. It’s also good to know being a pawparazza is like riding a bike – you never forget how.

Before we get to the great dogs I met Wednesday, I wanted to promote the Rescue PAWlooza being held at Pet Supplies Plus at 3074 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC this Saturday, May 31st and Sunday, June 1st. The Wake County Animal Center (WCAC) will be there with many of there adoptable cuddle bugs as well as other rescue groups. There are also going to be some great raffles to enter. Hope to see you there.

Now for the dogs …

Cubby (WCAC ID: 103142)

Cubby (WCAC ID: 103142)

Cubby (WCAC ID: 103142)

Cubby (WCAC ID: 103142)

Cubby (WCAC ID: 103142)

Cubby is another fun loving dog. Just look at that smile. He knows sit and was a superstar during his photo shoot.

Charlie (WCAC ID: 47235)

Charlie (WCAD ID: 47235)

Charlie (WCAD ID: 47235)

Charlie (WCAD ID: 47235)

Charlie (WCAD ID: 47235)

Charlie (WCAD ID: 47235)

Charlie is a WCAC alum who has found himself back at the Center through no fault of his own. His family could no longer care for him even though you can tell by the pounds he has packed on that they took good care of him while they could. He was a real sweetie and such a happy guy.

Zeus (WCAC ID: 102025)

Zeus (WCAC ID: 102025)

Zeus (WCAC ID: 102025)

Zeus (WCAC ID: 102025)

Zeus (WCAC ID: 102025)

Zeus has a lot of energy, but he was very sweet and good during his photo shoot. I’m thinking the fabulous S had taken him for a good walk that morning before I got there. He would definitely love an active furever family.

Lowery (WCAC ID: 103381)

Lowrey (WCAC ID: 103381)

Lowrey (WCAC ID: 103381)

Lowrey (WCAC ID: 103381)

Lowrey (WCAC ID: 103381)

Lowrey (WCAC ID: 103381)

Lowrey (WCAC ID: 103381)

Lowrey (WCAC ID: 103381)

Lowrey (WCAC ID: 103381)

Lowrey (WCAC ID: 103381)

I love Lowrey. Okay, I love all these guys, but his spotted ear, how gently he took treats and his small size made me just want to hang out and cuddle him all day.

Sasha (WCAC ID: 60851)

Sasha (WCAC ID: 60851)

Sasha (WCAC ID: 60851)

Sasha (WCAC ID: 60851)

Sasha (WCAC ID: 60851)

Sasha (WCAC ID: 60851)

Sasha (WCAC ID: 60851)

Sasha has such a unique look. She’s even cuter in person with all her gangly movements. She’s a WCAC alum who was on stray hold when I took this pic. She’s gone from the website so I’m thinking this sweetie’s family came for her. Hooray!

Please check out these and all the other great companion animals available for adoption through the WCAC. You can see them online by clicking here for the Adoption Gallery. Or better yet, stop by Pet Supplies Plus on Wake Forest Road in Raleigh, NC Saturday or Sunday afternoon and you may just meet one of these guys in person – and who can resist that!

A while back someone interviewing Dr. Jen about the Wake County Animal Center (WCAC) and euthanasia rates asked her what she needed. A bigger facility? More money? Her answer said everything, “No. We need fewer animals coming to the shelter and that will only be accomplished with more rigorous spaying and neutering.”

As things are in the United States, we will never be able to save them all when they are brought to shelters – either by owners or as strays – at an estimated average of 17,000 to 23,000 animals per day. In 2012, the WCAC took in an average of 145 animals per week; adoptions, transfer to rescues, and owner reclaims averaged 71 per week.

Most every rescue and shelter has spay and neuter policies that will not let an animal be adopted unless it has been or will be altered. The WCAC also tries to incentivize owners to reclaim their “intact” pets by offering reduced fines if they will let the shelter vets spay or neuter their pet.

It doesn’t always work. And it’s frustrating for those of us who see all the wonderful abandoned animals having to live at the shelter and hope that someone will be their furever family. The reasons people give to keep them intact, such as “it’s wrong to take away their manhood/womanhood” or “I love them so much and they’re so cute I want them to have one litter before we have them altered,” make us want to scream and rant.

You want to respect others’ opinions, but when you know how many animals have to be euthanized every day the thought of random and accidental pregnancies is infuriating.

I’ll cover other aspects of spaying and neutering over the course of the month so for now I leave you with this – please make sure your pets, your family’s pets, and your friends’ pets have been spayed or neutered.

Stop the madness before it starts!

Spotlight on Man Man

Now Man Man (WCAC ID: 97507) is a special boy as during his 51+ day stay he became the foster coordinator’s go-to dog for testing the temperament of other dogs and today I found out that he is going to go into foster at Camp Bow Bow.

Man Man (WCAC ID: 97507)

This beautiful red and white Terrier mix is about a year and a half old and weighs around 56 pounds. He came to the WCAC in early December as a stray and he is a volunteer favorite. But you know what, I think I’ll let Man Man speak for himself.

Hi,It’s Man Man, catch me if you can! No worries because I will make it easy for you, I will run and jump right into your arms!I’ve been searching for a family who will give me the love and affection all shelter pups like me yearn for. I am a sweet guy looking to break out of the kennel and break right into your heart and home!The terrific volunteers here have been so nice to me, but I’m ready for my very own family who will teach me the ropes of life. I KNOW SIT and I AM GOOD ON A LEASH. I will also need a refresher on housetraining, but don’t worry because I am a quick study!I can be a bit choosy when it comes to other canine playmates, so please keep this in mind when considering me as a canine buddy for your existing fur kids.I’m the man if you are looking for your right-hand man, wink-wink!Marvelously and forever yours,Man Man

Man Man is also one of Shannon Johnstone’s famous Landfill Dogs. Shannon had this to say about him, “This good boy is very snuggly and goofy. He loves humans, walks well on a leash, plays well with other dogs, knows “SIT”, is very treat motivated, and is constantly looking to people for direction. He is a volunteer favorite, and has a very wrinkly head and a luxurious copper brown coat. He will try to climb in your lap no matter what! It is very easy to fall in love with this guy. Come on out and see for yourself.”

Man Man is currently at the Wake County Animal Center, but with his new foster opportunity you need to check the website and call ahead if you want to visit with him. Or, just stop by and see all the other wonderful dogs, cats, hamsters, and whatever looking for their furever homes.